Influential and popular essayist Joan Didion is among writers scheduled to appear during the 2010-11 English@Minnesota Writer series. Didion, who will read in Ted Mann Concert Hall April 13, is winner of the National Book Award for “The Year of Magical Thinking” and recipient of the National Book Foundation’s annual Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Others in the series are: Somali novelist and playwright Nuruddin Farah, whose Oct. 8 reading celebrates his tenure at the University of Minnesota as CLA Winton Chair for 2010-12; award-winning poets D.A. Powell and Josie Rawson, published by Minneapolis-based Graywolf Press, Oct. 11; South African poet Ingrid de Kok, a major influence on and mentor for younger poets, Oct. 25; novelist, memorist and screenwriter James Salter, Oct. 27; memorist and essayist Eula Biss, Nov. 3; and fiction writer Dan Chaon, Nov. 15.

These programs are free and open to the public and will be held at various venues to be announced closer to the events. — Mary Ann Grossmann

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